- But Ngatia's running mate Abdulwalli Shariff Ahmed has expressed his dissatisfaction with the outcome of the election.
- He warned that if necessary action is not taken to address his grievances, he will be left with no choice but to seek legal redress.
Image: HANDOUT
Erick Rutto's election as president of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry has been disputed with his opponents claiming the Thursday poll was not free and fair.
Ruto beat Richard Ngatia who was until the elections the president of the KNCCI by garnering 291 votes against 208.
But Ngatia's running mate Abdulwalli Shariff Ahmed has expressed his dissatisfaction with the outcome of the election.
In a statement to the KNCCI Independent Electoral Board, Shariff on Friday raised his reservations saying the election should be nullified because it was not free and fair.
He said he had two weeks prior to the polls raised concerns regarding the need for county-by-county voting and transparent ballot boxes representing all 47 devolved units to ensure the fairness and integrity of the electoral process.
"I brought this issue to light upon receiving information suggesting that Team Ruto had colluded with corrupt officials within the KNCCI Independent Electoral Board," Shariff said.
The businessman alleged that there was a scheme to produce a special ballot paper, which, when used with a specific paper, would erase the official voter's tick and reveal pre-ticketed marks for other candidates.
It was his claim that manipulation would unduly influence the outcome and grant additional votes to their opponents.
"Regrettably, my complaint received no response or action, indicating a lack of willingness to address these grave concerns," he said.
Shariff said the transition committee also implemented a questionable rule that prohibited voters from taking photos of their own voter cards after casting their ballots.
"This rule appears to be deliberately designed to prevent individuals from documenting their choices, which would otherwise serve as evidence of their legitimate ticks. Such a restriction demonstrates a clear intention to manipulate the election through high-tech rigging."
The businessman described the elections as a sham and has rejected Rutto's win.
Rutto was elected alongside Ramadhan Mustapha who was his running. Rutto had previously served as Ngatia's deputy before deciding to run against his boss.
Shariff, however, insists Rutto's election should be nullified.
"As a concerned candidate, I am deeply troubled by the fact that neither myself nor any other candidate was given the opportunity to be adequately informed about the ballot card design or to receive proper civic education on the election process," Shariff said.
He said the lack of transparency and inclusiveness raised serious doubts about the fairness and impartiality of the electoral process.
He said he was denied the chance to speak or challenge the decisions made by the transition committee.
"It is evident that their refusal to grant us a voice and platform stems from their fear that our participation would expose their true intentions and inevitably lead to the failure of their fraudulent plans," he said.
Shariff asked the electoral board to immediately preserve the ballot papers and the pens used during the election.
He claims the materials will serve as crucial evidence of the alleged electoral malpractices.
"I also request a thorough investigation into the concerns I have raised, with a view to ensuring the integrity and fairness of the electoral process within the KNCCI," he said.
He warned that if necessary action is not taken to address his grievances, he will be left with no choice but to seek legal redress.
"I remain committed to upholding the democratic values that underpin our society and will exhaust all available avenues to rectify this miscarriage of justice," Shariff said.